Pascagoula school enters Guinness Book of World Records

PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) - Eastlawn Elementary kids put on their game faces as they competed in a four square challenge outside the school. Coach John Tomes trained the group.

"Every state in the Untied States has one school playing four squares, and it is going to be in the Guinness World Book of Records," Tomes said.

This competition comes with a lot more than just a name in a record book.

"If we win, we will get $10,000," Tomes said.

The money and fame sound very good to young compeers like Quintaesha Conerly.

"Ten thousand dollars? What!"

The goal of the game is to advance to the highest square on the court by eliminating other players with a rubber ball.

The students are hoping to win the cash prize so they can get a new playground set. Right now, the equipment they have is more than 15 years old.

"It is rusty. They have to repaint the swings," said Conerly." I want to have new swings and slides."

"Other schools have gotten KABOOM and playground stuff, but after Katrina we didn't luck out," Tomes said. "We are doing what we have to do to try to get some money so the kids can enjoy some more recess time."

More recess time equals healthier students, if you ask Coach. He says exercise is important, especially since Mississippi is labeled the fattest state in America.

"At all the schools, the kids need time to come out and play. They have to get their 50 minutes of workout. If you don't have exercise, you can't build."

A parent from Eastlawn Elementary signed the school up for this competition. The Cartoon Network will award ten schools across the nation with a $10,000 grant.